Experience - Day 34

41 ”The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus. 42 And every day, in the Temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message: “Jesus is the Messiah.”“

Yesterday’s passage ended with these words, “They called in the apostles and had them flogged. Then they ordered them never again to speak in the name of Jesus, and they let them go.” (Acts 5: 40)

In those days, to be flogged was basically a nice way of saying, “beaten to within an inch of your life.” So they sent the disciples a strong message that they needed to stop teaching and preaching Jesus.  Which worked, right?

No.  Not only do the disciples immediately go out and continue to preach Jesus every day and from house to house, they even rejoice over the fact that they were considered “worthy to suffer” for the name of Jesus.

Wow, what faith, what conviction.  Makes me question those who think the disciples simply made up the story of Jesus’ resurrection.  Would you be willing to be beaten, imprisoned, ridiculed, and ultimately killed, for something you knew was a lie?  Carry that sentiment on as the church continued to grow and persecution of Jesus followers were common place.  Do you think that many people, 100’s of 1,000’s, would go to their death in some of the most horrific ways possible, all for a lie?

These stories, and my own journey and experiences, are proof to me that this story of Jesus wasn’t just fabricated by a few followers who didn’t get their way.  They are proof that this Jesus story is of God, and it’s worthy of my life.  And these stories give me hope, that if what happened to Jesus was true, then maybe it’s all true.  That would mean that one day soon, we will look up to the sky and hear a trumpet call.  Then we will see the face of Jesus, looking down on us with arms wide open.  We’ll be caught up in the air to be with Him forever (I Thessalonians 4:17).  And knowing that, helps me live today with hope that I want to share with anyone who will listen.

JOURNAL

1. What do you most look forward to about the second coming of Jesus Christ? 
2. How does your hope in that day help you live out this day differently? 
3. Who in your circle of influence do you want to come to know the truth of the Jesus story?  Can you begin praying over them today?